MAKING LIFE EASIER FOR FLYING SCHOOLS

 EASA GENERAL AVIATION ROADMAP – UPDATE 2018 - MOVING TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION 

(Ed. Note: Good news from EASA on the progress of their strategic plan for a more appropriate degree of regulation of GA Flying Schools. It is probable that the UK CAA will adopt the same philosophy even if and after the current BREXIT shambles is finally resolved)

 “You may be aware of the vision and commitments that EASA established a few years ago. They were about better and lighter regulation for General Aviation, something which was urgently needed after the initial regulations imposed too much ‘red tape’ on the GA community. Well, in the meantime, a lot has happened! Firstly, let’s do a quick recap and look at the fundamentals: 

 Strategic Principles 

  • One size does not fit all 

  • Use rules when it is the only or best way to reach the safety objectives 

  • Adopt a risk-based approach 

  • Protect ‘what shows to work well’ unless there are demonstrable and statistically significant safety reasons against doing so 

  • Apply EU smart regulation principles 

  • Make the best use of available resources and expertise 

 Key Objectives 

  • Facilitate access to IFR Flying 

  • Allow the training of PPL outside Approved Training Organisations (DTO concept) 

  • Simplify and reduce the costs related to the maintenance of your aircraft (Part-M Light, Part CAO) 

  • Allow and promote the introduction of new technology (or the Standard Changes and Repairs Process) 

  • Simpler certification process 

  • Develop the use of Industry Standards (or CS-23 reorganisation) 

 After developing the GA Strategy & Roadmap, the past 3 years were already dedicated to action. In the effort to relieve the GA segment of unnecessary regulatory burden, and in taking a proportionate and risk-based approach to rules, we can now present a number of tangible results. 

 Effective 1st. April 2019, the new Part-DTO (Declared Training Organisation) is granting significant alleviations for the GA training domain.

 The requirements applicable to Approved Training Organisations (ATO) were found to be too demanding for small General Aviation training providers, mainly run by private flying clubs or even private individuals. EASA has taken these concerns on board and has developed new rules to make life easier for training organisations in GA. 

 A Declared Training Organisation is able to train for recreational or non-commercial licences only, including light aircraft pilot licence (LAPL), private pilot licence (PPL), sailplane pilot licence (SPL), and balloon pilot licence (BPL), as well as the associated ratings, certificates and privileges. 

·       The focus is on safety awareness within the training structure. 

·       Only the essential elements are kept with regard to organisational and authority requirements. 

·       Regulatory oversight should take into account factors such as safety performance, and the results of hazard identification and risk assessments conducted by the training organisation. 

 Accordingly, training providers for Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL) and Private Pilot Licence (PPL) will no longer need to seek prior approval of their training organisations. Instead, they will just need to declare the establishment of the training organisation to the competent authority (CAA in the UK). Operations Manuals and Training Manuals, as required in Approved Training Organisations (ATOs), will not be needed”. 

 FLY SAFE!

Tony Birth